MARIETTA, Ga. — Safety changes are coming to the roads near a popular Christmas light display in Kennesaw. Two police departments are working together to create a traffic plan that they say will keep the community safe while enjoying the Lights of Joy show.
This comes one week after Cobb County Police say high school student Olivia Pugh was killed by a suspected drunk driver while in a marked crosswalk a quarter of a mile away from the light show. She was 17 years old.
These safety changes will come at a cost. The owner of the light display, Richard Taylor, told 11Alive that for the first time in more than two decades, the public will have to pay $5 a person to enjoy the show.
Taylor, who operates the show of over 1.2 million lights, explains the cost will help pay to increase the police and fire department's presence in the area.
He wrote on Facebook, "We regret having to do this but feel that we have no choice. We hope that you will continue to visit and regret that we have had to make this change."
Cobb County police told 11Alive it is collaborating with Kennesaw police and the fire marshal's office to develop a comprehensive traffic plan.
"A Special Event permit issued by the Fire Marshal's office outlined a traffic plan for the Lights of Joy show. Given that the residence is in unincorporated Cobb and the roadway falls under the city's jurisdiction, we collaborated with Kennesaw PD to develop a comprehensive plan," they wrote.
The plan will include one officer on weekdays and two on weekends, in addition to specific signage and lighting requirements.
Kennesaw police will primarily manage the responsibilities for the event. However, if the department cannot provide an officer, off-duty officers from the Cobb County Police Department may be requested to fill in, Cobb police added in the email to our station.
"We, along with Kennesaw PD and the Fire Marshal's Office, will actively monitor the Lights of Joy show to ensure strict adherence to the permit requirements," the department added. "This includes assessing whether any adjustments may be needed for the traffic plan to ensure the safety and efficiency of the event."
Hundreds of community members reacted on social media, stating that the changes are well worth $5 and more.
Taylor added that while the accident did not occur at his display – but a quarter of a mile away, towards Big Shanty Elementary – his heart goes out to Pugh and her loved ones.
More on the case, Olivia Pugh
Police said the Harrison High School student was hit by a red 2017 GMC Acadia while crossing a marked crosswalk with a group of teens. Reports said that Pugh was thrown into the air and into a wooded area on the shoulder.
She was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where authorities said she later died on December 10.
According to an online fundraiser, Pugh was the Beta Club president, a National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Key Club, and Spark member, and also took honors and AP (Advanced Placement) courses, all while working at Chick-fil-A.
"Her smile was contagious, even if the smile was for a selfie. She was kind, loving, giggling, and determined, hard-working, and full of life," the post said.
Meanwhile, the man behind the wheel, 68-year-old Jerome Cox, was with his wife, heading eastbound on the road when police said he hit the 16-year-old. Officers said the two were uninjured in the crash, and Cox was taken into custody on several charges.